Five charities were shortlisted and interviewed as part of their parent company Saint-Gobain’s ‘Together’ programme, with the decision to appoint Barnardos reached by employee vote.

Barnardos supports children whose well-being is under threat, by working with them, their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children.

Throughout the partnership, JP Corry will extend its network of employment, training and skills services to ensure that vulnerable young people, including care leavers, don’t miss out on the support, advice and work opportunities available to those from different backgrounds.

Ciaran Mc Connell, Managing Director for JP Corry said: “This is an exciting partnership for us, and whilst we have supported Barnardos in the past, this partnership will focus on developing employment and training opportunities for vulnerable young people, particularly in the construction industry”

Director Barnardo’s NI Lynda Wilson said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as JP Corry’s charity partner for 2017-2018. Like JP Corry we work across Northern Ireland in the same towns and communities. We support over 8,000 children and their families and this partnership will ensure we can create the best possible start for them. We are looking forward to working closely with JP Corry and welcome their support.”

The ‘together’ charity programme was established in 2002 and has grown to include all businesses within Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, raising a total of £3.2 million to date for a range of charity partners including Help the Hospices and Macmillan Cancer Support. .

For more information on JP Corry please visit www.jpcorry.com.

For more information on Barnardo’s, visit: www.barnardos.org.uk